After two games on the road, Cheltenham Town returned to League action at home against a Colchester United team still to win away from home this season.

Johnson made two changes to the starting XI. Brian Graham came in for his second start of the campaign, along with Jamie Grimes returning after suffering a broken nose away to Yeovil. Danny Wright and Will Boyle dropped to the bench.

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Just as they did in the home match against Exeter, Cheltenham started quickly and were two goals up inside 15 minutes. First Kevin Dawson rose to head home Jordan Cranston's wonderfully whipped cross.

Dawson again was then credited with his second of the game, after his long range effort found the back of the net, though it appeared to have taken a significant deflection off Mo Eisa's chest. I'm sure Mo will be fighting to claim that one.

Kevin Dawson celebrates after scoring the opening goal

But just as they did in the game against Exeter Cheltenham allowed Colchester to get back into the game. On the 26th minute Taylor Moore challenged for a long ball into the box and the ball struck his arm in the air.

The referee correctly pointed to the penalty spot and Szmodics stepped up and calmly sent Flinders the wrong way.

But this time Cheltenham didn't cave, they continued to create chances going forward and were unlucky not to increase their lead before half time.

The second half started with Colchester greatly improved and on the front foot, a series of long throws and corners ensued but the impressive Flinders and his defence stood firm.

Cheltenham managed to win a free kick on the angle of the Colchester 18 yard box after Kevin Dawson was fouled during a counter attack on the 56th minute. Morrell curled in the free kick which was headed towards goal before being handled in the six yard box by Mandron.

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The referee again correctly gave a penalty and dismissed the Colchester player for deliberately stopping a goal with his arm.

With everyone expecting Kevin Dawson to step up to complete his (unofficial) hat trick, it was surprising to see Graham place the ball on the spot. Obviously eager to get off the mark for his new club the spot kick said otherwise, as he tamely side footed the ball just left of centre. Which the goal keeper gratefully gathered.

With the score still 2-1 and tension building it was important Cheltenham didn't let Colchester build any momentum after the penalty miss. And any nerves were eased when a minute after the penalty miss Jamie Grimes turned up to tap home Eisa's low cross.

Jamie Grimes celebrates the goal that made it 3-1

On the 60th minute Storer and Dawson were both replaced, by Boyle and Gordon respectively. Colchester actually looked much better with 10 men and it shows how crucial that third goal was, with it Cheltenham saw out the match fairly comfortably.

Cheltenham had been playing this well for the past 3-4 games, but for the first time in that spell luck went our way. Dawson's second goal took a huge deflection from Eisa and nestled in the corner. And at 3-1 it looked for all the world that Cranston had given away a second penalty when his slide tackle on Wright was mistimed. Instead the referee pointed for a goal kick and then booked Wright for diving.

It was particularly nice to see Johnson stick to the new 4-3-3 formation Cheltenham have looked so good playing. It enables us to play Pell, Storer and Morrell in the middle of the park.

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With these three we look dominant and the back four are rarely left exposed. Cranston continues to look a completely different player to last year. He looks stronger, fitter, quicker, and with that comes the confidence to pass the ball out from the back.

Taylor Moore continues to shine whether at centre-back or right-back. And man of the match Kevin Dawson is showing everyone why Johnson was so pleased to have signed him this summer. On paper he's playing as one of the wide men in a front three.

Gary Johnson after the 3-1 win over Colchester United

But in reality he's the free role, he pops up on the left, on the right, three times now he's popped up in the box to score from crosses. When he plays well this team plays well, after not having a pre season he's starting to look match fit, and Cheltenham are definitely benefiting from this.

Tougher tests lie ahead, with no away wins on the board yet a tough trip to third place Accrington next Saturday looks like a home banker for the bookies. But Cheltenham are no longer push overs, and with round pegs in round holes look a much more solid unit.